Dr. Richard WARSHAK on ABC 20/20 - Fri Dec 18

DR. WARSHAK ON ABC 20/20

Friday, December 18, 2009

9-11 p.m. ET; 8-10 p.m. CT

On Friday, December 18, ABC 20/20 will present the fascinating story of an international abduction case involving an alienated child. In preparation for this show, I was interviewed by Chris Cuomo.

During the second taping, I had an opportunity to demonstrate some of the procedures used during Family Bridges: A Workshop for Troubled and Alienated Parent-Child Relationships.

I expect this show to have a major impact in educating the public about the suffering of children who have been turned against a parent, and about what can be done to help ease a child's transition back to a rejected parent.

Please mark your calendars. Note that on December 18, 20/20 begins one hour earlier than usual and runs for two hours. The segment in which I am involved is scheduled for the first hour, although this is subject to change.

If you enjoyed the show, please leave your comments at: http://abcnews.go.com/2020.

Article: Children torn by divorce

This article in BC's Vernon Morning Star is notable just because of the issue is receiving attention.

Many of the points made about PAS are well known to us all.

I maintain that adoption of the current legislation before Parliament - Bill C422 - proposing an Equal Parenting Amendment to the Divorce Act would solve alot of the issues that enable PAS to flourish. The legal "winner take all" battle often encouraged by lawyers acting for both parties. They get paid no matter what. I read a comment about this article that concluded:

All of this should be attended, less by attorneys and more by psychologists and social workers who have the best interests of the child as their goal and the understanding that children generally fare better when raised by two biological parents.

I agree.

Lobby Campaign to have PAS included in DSM-V

Glenn Sacks is asking for support in lobbying the DSM-V Task Force to add PAS to the upcoming DSM-V. As he says:

A group of 50 mental health experts from 10 countries are part of an effort to add Parental Alienation to the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM V), the American Psychiatric Association's "bible" of diagnoses.

Fathers & Families wants to ensure that the DSM-V Task Force is aware of the scope and severity of Parental Alienation. To this end, we are asking our members and supporters to write DSM. If you or someone you love has been the victim of Parental Alienation, we want you to tell your story to the DSM-V Task Force.

All you have to do is click here to be taken to a data input form and enter your contact info, as well as your own personal story. Letters of support will be printed and mailed.

MEP launches "Recalculation Program" (aka RP)

Alberta Justice - responsible for the "Maintenance Enforcement Program" (MEP, the group who acts as a collection agency for Child Support payments within Alberta) is apparently scheduled to launch it's "Child Support Recalculation Program (RP)" tomorrow. (http://www.justice.gov.ab.ca/recalculation)

This program will allow "creditors/debtors" a low-cost, alternative administrative process to changing child support payments - rather than undertaking a costly, time consuming and sometimes intimidating/challenging court procedure that has been in place up to now.

The program is intended to cover mostly "plain vanilla" situations where:

• a child support order has been issued, registered, is outstanding and has been followed.
• will be permitted once every 12 months.
• minimal cost of $75 per application.

Undoubtedly as this program is just starting, procedures will be adopted and implemented as experience grows. More details can be found at the Alberta Justice website. Stay tuned.

Judge reverses parental alienation ruling

Unfortunate news on landmark case .

Heather Capannelli | Publication Date: Monday, 09 November 2009 - Law Times

In another case underscoring the controversy over parental alienation workshops, Justice Thea Herman of the Ontario Superior Court struck down part of an arbitrator’s award earlier this year that would have removed two teenage boys from the custody of their father and sent them to Texas. The decision follows a series of judgments in which Ontario courts have ordered a change in custody and sent the custodial parent along with the children to participate in the workshop.

In S.G.B. v. S.J.L., the court set aside part of an award concluding that the workshop was in the best interest of the boys because the arbitrator relied too heavily on an assessment of them prepared by Richard Warshak, who admitted he hadn’t met them personally.

In his testimony and written evidence, the psychologist and author explicitly declined to make recommendations with respect to the children because he had never observed them before. [more]

How can we progress against the Child Abuse of PAS when Judges do not hold PA accountable? I also feel that many Child Assessments could use video-conferences effectively, at least in the beginning. Save the air-travel for intervention/treatment. But this is a depressing turn of events.

We must continue to educate as many as possible in Family Law about PAS. I maintain that Vellacott's PMB-C422 remains an excellent 1st step and invite EVERYONE to contact their MP/MLA about it.

CTV W5 airs segment on PAS - Sat Nov 7@7pm + Sun Nov 8@12 noon

RED ALERT

I have just heard from Rhonda that CTV W5 will broadcast segment on PAS entitled "Poisoned Minds: Children On The Frontlines Of Divorce" this Sat Nov 7, 2009 at 7pm (local). Typically it is re-broadcast the next day (Sunday) at noon as well. In case you miss BOTH of those - it should be up online at http://www.ctv.ca/w5/ - afterwards.

Rhonda is a member of PAAO in Central Alberta, having been affected by it her whole life. I encourage everyone to watch this program. I will attempt to post link or YouTube video here afterwards.

Regards, crj

For the Sake of The Children Marathon of Hope

I have just learned about this fellow, Dave NASH who is planning "For the Sake of The Children Marathon" in the Spring of 2010!

He is currently looking for a sponsors - a few major and/or regional/local ones - to help him along his route, which is going to be ACROSS THE Whole Nation!

He will start his race on April 25, 2010 - Parental Alienation Awareness Day.

Stay tuned! But I would like everyone to start thinking how we can 1) promote this to every location across the province in advance and 2) begin soliciting sponsorships to support Dave in his odyssey next spring.

Let's REALLY get behind this!

Sincerely,
Chris Jones

Rodney STAFFORD arrives in Edmonton

Rodney STAFFORD arrived in Edmonton today - at the end of his long bike tour from Ontario to honour the memory of his daughter, Tori.

The welcome was at the West Edmonton Mall and it was quite impressive. ChildFind Alberta had arranged the event along with Rodney's sister, Rebecca. Staff from the RCMP and Corrections Canada provided the manpower to run the the "Child ID" fingerprinting kits and a number of very talented kids provided entertainment. There was also a silent auction of many interesting items, including a brand new unused version of the bike Rodney rode on his trip.

Rhonda had the foresight to bring a gift of "balloon art" in the shape of PAAO's entwined hearts logo! And Jimmy's young son, 5-yr old Keegan got up his courage to present it to Rodney (with out letting go as it would have floated up to the roof!). Rodney was obviously very touched by Keegan's gift and thanked him. CTV Edmonton had a clip of Rhonda hugging Rodney after he received the balloon art on evening newscast, and Global Edmonton Newscast - Sat Sep 19, Evening News 6pm.

The Medea Complex and Parental Alienation

I was introduced to this interesting blog by Annabelle. In particular, this long piece entitled "The Medea Complex and the Parental Alienation Syndrome: When Mothers Damage Their Daughter’s Ability to Love a Man” caught my attention. (Image to the left is famously beautiful operatic diva, Maria CALLAS who won a certain amount of notoriety for her role in this technically demanding opera by Luigi Cherubini. It a dark but dangerously alluring image that is imprinted in my early childhood as my parents had an LP collection including CALLAS in what was to become her signature role "Medea. It is a powerfully arresting photo.)

In the article Robert M. Gordon states that:

"I will bring together two separate issues: the Medea complex and the Parental Alienation Syndrome. To my knowledge, I have not seen these two concepts brought together. I believe that the Medea Complex in divorcing mothers is a frequent cause of Parental Alienation Syndrome."

Rodney STAFFORD - Kids for Kilometers

Rodney STAFFORD is getting closer to Alberta - still on target for arrival in Edmonton Sept 18. He had gotten loads of support over his trek which is good to see.

BraveHeartWomen.com - Conscious Co-Parenting

Conscious TV - Today's Show Conscious Co-Parenting @ Yahoo! Video

Very positive show from the US with (stunningly beautiful women - only in LA!) Guest Dorcy Russell, the founder of the "Conscious Co-Parenting Institute". I enjoyed it and hope you do too.

Kilometers for Kids arrives Sept 2 in Edmonton

I have recently found out that Rodney STAFFORD - father of Tori STAFFORD who was abducted/murdered in April/May - will be undertaking a 3,200km Bike Tour from Woodstock ON (where they lived) to Edmonton AB (where his sister lives) in his daughter memory. He departs on August 2 and expects to arrive in Edmonton September 2. Once here he will travel with his family to Jasper and release a purple balloon for Tori who had enjoyed her trip to the mountain park last summer on a visit to her aunts, before her life was so cruelly taken.

Obviously Rodney STAFFORD, Tori, her brother and her mom Tara McDonald were like many separated families trying to deal with the aftermath of a breakup and in new relationships etc. and were trying to juggle all of the complex interactions. I recall reading that in the months before the end, Tori had written her dad a letter asking him to stay in her life as I suppose they must have had some difficulties. Very human and understandable.

I have been in touch with Mr. STAFFORD via email and am asking for everyone's help. It can be anything - cash donations, support vehicles, accommodation enroute (not clear right now, will be decided soon) riders to accompany the team throughout Alberta, Welcome Groups/PR or Promotion in various towns - anything, really. In addition we want to have a BIG WELCOME on his Arrival Sep 2 - TBA!

If you have something to contribute or and idea, let me know at albertapaao@gmail.com or call 406-565-4594 and leave message so I can get back to you.

Gender bias evident in parental alienation cases

I apolgize for not including this earlier - my excuse is I do not get the Globe & Mail. Thanks to Mike for bringing it to my attention.

As to prevalence by gender, I don't think this "study" proves anything except what popular opinion already reflects, but it is pretty clear that this is not a "representative" sample (among the potential methodological weaknesses I could foresee). Dr. Amy BAKER in her book Breaking the ties that Bind contends that she sees the breakdown as 50/50 - but admits that is not a rigourous evaluation either. It is only based on feedback from her website. In any event, I'm not sure it matters unlss one wants to claim male or female "superority or victimhood". Given the greater numbers of women gaining sole custody, it seems more likely they can exercise PA more often than men. It is also very likely that the cost of fighting a PA Battle discourages many men and women of even thinking of going through the courts, so they would not show up.

I recall Shelly JONES saying that "PA is equal-opportunity child abuse because bad behaviour knows no gender."

Gender bias evident in parental alienation cases

Mothers are more likely to be the parent behind children's estrangement, yet fathers more often ordered into counselling, study finds. KIRK MAKIN March 28, 2009

JUSTICE REPORTER -- A study of alienated children has found that mothers were significantly more likely to be the parent who emotionally poisoned their children than were fathers.

Toronto family lawyer Gene Colman told a Toronto symposium yesterday that of 74 court rulings that found parental alienation since 1987, the mother was the alienator in 50 cases. The father was the alienating parent in 24.

"I'm not trying to dump on moms," Mr. Colman told about 150 psychologists, family lawyers, mediators and activist parents. "I'm just saying, that is what the data reveal."

In parental alienation syndrome, an estranged parent systematically brainwashes a child into hating the other parent. The profile of the syndrome escalated over the past year, after three Ontario judges ordered that children be removed from an alienating parent and taken to U.S. clinics for deprogramming therapy.

Mr. Colman said that alienating fathers were twice as likely to be ordered to undergo counselling as were mothers in alienation cases - a finding that raises serious questions about whether judges are exhibiting gender biases. Twelve of the 50 alienating mothers in his study were ordered into counselling, as compared with 13 of 24 fathers. "As social scientists will tell you, that is a high level of statistical significance in terms of differential treatment by gender," Mr. Colman said. "As lawyers and judges, we have to be vigilant to make sure that we ... are not influenced by whether the mom is the alienator or the dad is the alienator.

There should be no differential in how either gender is dealt with." The other findings in Mr. Colman's study included: The number of parental alienation cases has shot up from 21 between1987 and 2000 to 53 between 2000 and 2008. Fathers who had their alienated children switched from their homes were granted some form of access by the courts in a "much lower" percentage of cases than were mothers. Fathers who alienate their children are somewhat more likely to have their children removed from their residence and relocated with the mother. Mr. Colman said that of cases where the father was the alienator, children were ordered to switch to the mother's residence in 78 per cent of cases. In contrast, 62 per cent of the mothers who alienated their children had them switched to the father's home. "It would seem that if you are the dad, you have a greater probability of having the residence changed on you," said Mr. Colman, founding editor of the Canadian Journal of Family Law and founding member of the Canadian Equal Parenting Council.

TV Ontario PA Disscussion Panel - Jun 12

An excellent and diverse cross-section panel with Harvey BROWNSTONE - Ontario Family Court Judge, Jeff WILSON - Family Lawyer, Barb FIDLER - Practicing Psychologist/Child Therapist and Amy BAKER - Professional Researcher. Host Steve PAIKIN slalomed through the various questions and guests keeping to topics moving quickly ahead for 37 minutes.

Snippets I found interesting:

• PA does not include "Realistic Estrangement" - in other words a legitimate reason why a child may not want to be with a parent. The obvious being real physical or sexual abuse (and not just as suggested by the AP or Alienating Parent - it must be objectively proved.)

• BAKER suggested over 20 "tactics" used by an AP to distance a child from the RP (Rejected Parent) - these were also called PA "Exploits" by FIDLER.

• BAKER believes that PA of mother/father is 50/50 and that it does NOT only occur in divorce/separation but intact families as well.

• BROWNSTONE mentioned the difficulty that Judges face in verifying the supposed PA has taken place and suggested that he often finds the parent making the bulk of accusations at fault! Also, he suggests that many parents self-represented.

• WILSON suggested that PA has become much more prevalent in the last 10 years and has raised the level of animosity in court.

• BROWNSTONE said the old approach in "High-Conflict" Divorce cases (how they used to refer to PA) was to remove all contact with the "offending" parent - the one who was accused of creating conflict! That is no longer considered the best strategy and may in fact be dangerous.

• BAKER said it was a Myth that the older the child, the less likely they were susceptible to PA. In fact she suggested the opposite. As these kids become more savvy about the court system, they "step up their campaign". Age has nothing to do with it. If 20 yr olds can become cult members, there is nothing to suggest those younger can't become Alienators of a former parent. Her research indicated that many times, kids "want their bluff to be called by someone" - parents, extended family, courts or lawyers.

• FIDLER was asked about "deprogramming". How is it done and if it is effective. She said the sooner the intervention the better and it can be very effective in mild cases, where parents are not truly aware of the negative consequences of their behaviours. They teach the parents and children. For the kids it involved "critical thinking" skills, how to consider the good/bad of arguments/positions, reintegration exercises with their alienated kids, video's etc. Often the kids do well in closed sessions away from the AP, but can be seen getting visibly distressed/anxious as they are going to be picked-up by the AP.

• Whereas FIDLER explained the results for "extreme/severe" cases as "not so good", BAKER disagreed and explained Dr. Richard WARSHUK's "re-education" program as 3-4 days where kids are removed from the AP and spend greater amounts of time reconnecting with the RP, exclusive of the AP. Out of 24 "rescue" cases, 17 were sustainable "successes" in reconnecting child and AP.

• BAKER suggests that her preferred approach is to counsel ALL children about how to handle these "loyalty conflicts" and mentioned her recent book. (Ed. This seems impractical.) She suggests to empower children with the skills to recognize these problems and tell both their parents that they don't want to be placed in these positions where "they have to choose".

• WILSON (who represented a mother in a recent high profile case, where her 18yr old son went to court to prevent his two tween brothers being forced into a "deprogramming" camp under Dr. WARSHUK in order to reconnect with his father) reiterated that he believes "it is better to have a meaningful relationship with BOTH parents rather than only one", parental conflict harms kids, where parental dysfunction is severe removal of a child by CAS maybe necessary, every 6mths 1 child is removed from both parents and placed in a "benign environment" - supportive relatives or foster care.

• BROWNSTONE was asked about Nick BALA's PAS study and said that such cases are increasing and they take up a significant amount of court resources (he in fact feels that too many trivial complaints are being brought to court - holidays, TV shows, homework, bedtimes etc.) When he began, he said he tried very hard to enforce fathers rights but that this approach backfired because the mothers would come back even harder and ended up turning the children against the father! (Ed. This really made me question Brownstone) But, he said that he strongly enforces "contempt of court" against parents who breech his court orders, especially those who alienate their kids. Finally BROWSTONE admitted that dispite feeling too involved in many PA/High Conflict cases that come before him he has not the time to determine if they have EVER been successfully resolved.
  

When kids get caught in the middle

Here is an interview with a parent who has been alienated from his daughter. I would like to encourage everyone to send the reporter Melanie THOMPSON an email of recognition.


Children of divorce are often forced to choose between mom and dad
By Melanie Thompson, EXAMINER STAFF - June 24, 2009

(EDITOR’S NOTE: The names in this story have been changed in order to protect “Jenny.”)

Ben no longer sees his daughter. He has lost all contact. A separation from his spouse forced their daughter to choose one parent over the other.

Jenny chose her mother.

Ben always had a normal father-daughter relationship with Jenny. After the separation, Jenny remained with her mother but Ben maintained a regular bi-weekly visitation schedule as agreed to by himself and his ex-spouse.

Things were going well. But soon he began to notice changes in Jenny.

HASN’T GIVEN UP HOPE

Now, seven years after the separation, she doesn’t want him near. She doesn’t want to go to his home for visits. She doesn’t want his birthday gifts.

Ben has almost given up all hope for a relationship with his daughter.

Jenny is caught in the middle of a case of parental alienation, which commonly occurs among divorced families.

This condition is described by the Parental Alienation Awareness Organization (PAAO) as a group of verbal and non-verbal behaviours by one or both parents that are damaging to children’s mental and emotional well being. Children are manipulated or brainwashed into choosing one parent over the other.

Often, one or both parents will badmouth the other, refuse visitation, and lie, among other aggressive behaviours, which alienates the children and forces them into an unhealthy position of having to choose.

Ben says that is exactly what happened between himself, his ex-spouse and child.

“Her mother re-wrote her history,” Ben says. “Our daughter thinks that I just came into her life in Grade 2, although I’ve been in her life since the day she was born.”

The separation occurred when Jenny was eight years old. Ben and his daughter were closer than ever. But Ben says the bi-weekly visitations began to fall apart when his ex-spouse began to alienate Jenny from him by refusing to allow his visitations.

Lawyers and the court system became involved. A custody battle ensued.

A child psychiatrist was hired to assess Jenny when claims were made by his ex-spouse that Jenny was traumatized and afraid of Ben.

Ben remembered a suggestion his lawyer had made to take videos and photos of his time spent with his daughter to prove they do indeed have a normal relationship.

“I put a video camera up on a shelf at my mother’s…,” Ben says. “It was directed at the couch, and on the video camera it shows Jenny (and I). We come in the door, and she’s laughing and giggling and chasing me with a water pistol. It shows us watching a movie.”

Ben provided this video as evidence. The judge ruled in his favour and ordered that his ex-spouse receive counselling.

Ben says she did not follow the court order, and things have gotten worse since his case was passed on to a new judge.

“I thought, with court orders, people are going to be held accountable for their actions,” says a clearly-frustrated Ben. “But when it came to that, (the judge) just said to her lawyer, ‘Your client simply refused to go.'’ He didn't do anything.”

“I thought all judges were trained in this. That doesn’t appear to be the case.”

ANOTHER CHANCE

Ben hasn’t seen his daughter for almost a year and is awaiting another chance in court to fight for his right to see her.

“They say wait, your child will figure it out when they grow up. But what about all the time in between? All that time is lost.”

Most people aren’t aware of parental alienation until they experience it first-hand. But Ben hopes that by telling his story, more people will recognize parental alienation as a form of child abuse, and maybe other parents won’t have to fight so hard to simply be with their children.

For more information about parental alienation, visit http://www.paawareness.org.

mthompson@edmontonexaminer.com

Suggested Reading List - Collection of PA Titles

I prepared this reading list some time ago, but re-post this link (it is a pdf) for those who wish to share it as a resource.

In case you wish to SUGGEST other titles please click here for an data-entry form. (You will be prompted for Author, Title, ISBN (useful for Chapters/Amazon search), Publisher, year,#pages and Category - among other useful references).

June 16 - MP Velacott introduces PMB C-422

Mr. Speaker, I am honoured to be introducing a Private Member’s Bill today which would direct courts in regard to divorce, to make equal shared parenting the presumptive arrangement in the best interests of the child, except in proven cases of abuse or neglect.

Over 10 years ago, a Joint House-Senate committee presented to Parliament a report entitled “For the Sake of the Children.” That report urged Parliament to amend the Divorce Act to make equal shared parenting the normative determination by courts dealing with situations of divorce involving children.

This non-partisan recommendation from that Joint House-Senate was based on compelling research made available to the committee members. Over the past ten years, the best research has continued to demonstrate the far superior outcomes for children, in general, when both parents – mom AND dad – are actively involved in their children's lives, even if the parents divorce or separate.Polling from the past two years demonstrates overwhelming support from Canadians for equal shared parenting.

There is, in fact, slightly more support among women than men for equal parenting. This strong support from almost 80% of Canadians exists across the country, with the strongest regional support coming from Quebec and Atlantic Canada.

Canadians claiming to be Liberal and Bloc supporters, expressed the strongest endorsement for equal shared parenting, at 80.6% among Liberals and 82.9% among Bloc Quebecois supporters. A variety of countries, such as Belgium, Denmark, Norway, Australia, and various U.S. states, have implemented equal parenting, joint custody or shared parenting presumptive legislation, which has resulted in lowered court costs, less conflict and improved social outcomes for the children of divorce.

This bill is one of the most a-political, non-partisan pieces of legislation introduced in this current Parliament. I look forward to strong support for this important piece of legislation from all Members of Parliament who are committed to the best interests of our Canadian children.

Media Release:

Maurice Vellacott, MP
Saskatoon-Wanuskewin

Media Advisory

Equal Shared Parenting Private Member’s Bill Introduced

Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2009; 1 pm

From: Maurice Vellacott, MP (Saskatoon-Wanuskewin)

To: Media

Re. Press conference to announce Equal Shared Parenting Private Member’s Bill

Where: Charles Lynch Press Conference Room 130-S

Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff has written, “These groups demanded that the ‘custody and access’ regime created by the Divorce Act of 1985 be replaced with a ‘shared parent’ regime in which both parents are given equal rights to bring up their children. These are sensible and overdue suggestions, and the fact they are being made shows that men and women are struggling to correct the rights revolution, so that equality works for everyone.”

MP Maurice Vellacott (Saskatoon-Wanuskewin) will be speaking on the introduction Tuesday of Private Member’s Bill C-422, which would direct courts in regard to divorce, to make equal shared parenting the presumptive arrangement in the best interests of the child, except in proven cases of abuse or neglect.

Vellacott will be joined by Quebec MP Stephen Blaney, Liberal MP Raymonde Folco, John Menear, Barrister & Solicitor and Founding Member of the Canadian Equal Parenting Council and by Kristin Titus, Co-President of the Canadian Equal Parenting Council.

Polling from the past two years demonstrates overwhelming support from Canadians for equal shared parenting. There is slightly more support among women than men for equal parenting. This strong support from almost 80% of Canadians exists across the country, with the strongest regional support coming from Quebec and Atlantic Canada. Canadians claiming to be Liberal and Bloc supporters, expressed the strongest endorsement for equal shared parenting, at 80.6% among Liberals and 82.9% among Bloc Quebecois supporters.

Countries, such as Denmark, Belgium and Norway, as well as some U.S. states, have implemented equal parenting, joint custody or shared parenting presumptive legislation, resulting in lower court costs, less conflict and improved social outcomes for the children of divorce.

– 30 –

For further comment, call (613) 992-1966 or (613) 297-2249

Maurice Vellacott, MP
Saskatoon-Wanuskewin

Avis aux médias

Dépôt d’un projet de loi d’initiative parlementaire
sur le partage égal du rôle parental

Date : Mercredi, 17 juin 2009, 13 h

De : Maurice Vellacott, député de Saskatoon-Wanuskewin

À : Médias

Objet : Conférence de presse pour annoncer le projet de loi d’initiative parlementaire
sur le partage égal du rôle parental

Endroit : Salle de conférence de presse Charles Lynch (130-S)

Le chef libéral Michael Ignatieff a écrit que : « Ces groupes ont demandé que le régime des droits de garde et de visite créé par la Loi sur le divorce en 1985 soit remplacé par un régime de partage du rôle parental dans le cadre duquel les deux parents ont tout autant le droit d’élever leurs enfants. Il s’agit de suggestions judicieuses dont la mise en œuvre a trop tardé; leur formulation témoigne de ce que les hommes et les femmes luttent pour corriger la révolution des droits et faire en sorte d’obtenir l’égalité pour tous. »

Maurice Vellacott, député de Saskatoon-Wanuskewin, prendra la parole mardi lors du dépôt du projet de loi d’initiative parlementaire C‑422, qui exigera que les tribunaux, dans les causes de divorce, appliquent systématiquement le principe de partage égal du rôle parental dans l’intérêt de l’enfant, sauf dans les cas avérés de mauvais traitements et de négligence.

À M. Vellacott s’ajouteront le député de Québec Stephen Blaney, la député de Libéral Raymonde Folco, John Menear, avocat et membre fondateur du Conseil canadien pour le rôle parental égal, et Kristin Titus, co-présidente du Conseil canadien pour le rôle parental égal.

Les sondages des deux dernières années confirment que la population canadienne appuie massivement l’égalité du rôle parental, l’appui étant légèrement plus élevé chez les femmes que chez les hommes. Près de 80 % des Canadiens d’un bout à l’autre du pays soutiennent l’idée, l’appui le plus vif se manifestant au Québec et dans les provinces de l’Atlantique. Les plus fervents partisans se réclament du Parti libéral et du Bloc québécois, soit 80,6 % chez les partisans libéraux et 82,9 % chez les partisans bloquistes.

Des pays comme le Danemark, la Belgique et la Norvège, ainsi que certains États des États-Unis, ont mis en œuvre des dispositions législatives privilégiant le rôle parental égal, la garde partagée ou le partage du rôle parental, ce qui a permis de diminuer les frais judiciaires, de réduire les conflits et d’améliorer le sort des enfants du divorce sur le plan social.

– 30 –

Information : (613) 992-1966 ou (613) 297-2249

PAAO Pamphlets now in Edmonton Library System

I can now confirm that the (excellent + informative) "PAAO Pamphlets" have been distributed among all 20 branches of the Edmonton Public Library System after having checked around at a few (Central/ Stanley Milner, Old Strathcona and Bonnie Doon branches). Hopefully this will help raise awareness and drive potential supporters toward this blog.

Unfortunately, none chose to post our poster (image to left - which was rather disappointing, as the colour 8x11's took some effort and had our contact information listed) but part of the reason may be there was no specific "dated event". A point to remember for next time (from instructions they seem to only accept event notices 8-3 weeks beforehand).

A member shares some resources

Here are some resources suggested by a very generous and committed parent who has been alienated from her children for almost 8 years. After a very long conversation, she was kind enough to send me some of the resources she feels could help others deal with Parental Alienation (PA).

1) Alternatives to Traditional Family Law.

Many people have not found their experience of our adversarial legal system very satisfying. I believe it is too costly, too biased towards perpetual litigation and rewards dysfunctional behaviour rather than promoting healthy family interactions. That said, sometimes it is necessary.

In recent years, alternatives to just engaging a divorce lawyer have sprung up - collaborative practice. They are usually former family law lawyers, paralegals or family counsellors who have become disenchanted with the existing, traditional practices of the Family Law system. While their hourly rates may be about the same, they can end up costing far less in time, money and distress. In my experience these encounters can de-escalate tense situations and isolate key, contentious issues. Of course they require each party to act in "good faith" to be truly successful, but if these method fail there is nothing stopping one from moving to a more traditional route and retaining a lawyer.

2) Legal References on Parental Alienation (PA)

A meta search of various legal databases on Case Law regarding PA (updated: May 18, 2008), this provides some examples of evolving precedent case law in the United States, Canada, Australia, Britain and Europe.

For Canadian Legal Research, CanLII is indispensable (see thumbnail image above). It is a free database that contains ALL current (and increasingly as historical records become converted) past legal decisions in just about all jurisdictions and branches of the Canadian Justice system. Here is a specific reference to an Alberta Queens Bench Decision released Dec 12, 2004 involving Parental Alienation.

3) Academic Articles and Resources about PA

"Cobwebbed1" links to various resources about PAS compiled by the former "founder of Parental Alienation Behaviour Theory", Dr. Richard GARDNER (now deceased). It appears to be maintained and is linked to Dr. Richard WARSHAK's (author of "Divorce Poison") very useful resources/website.

4) An Alternative Viewpoint

While checking the links above via Google, I found what I will merely characterize as "an alternative viewpoint". This link was not endorsed or provided by our supporter - and let me make it perfectly clear that I do NOT subscribe to it on many levels, but it may be instructive to some and I will leave it at that.

Footnotes:

1) "Cobwebbed" is a term I have run across that describes many of the links that may still exist as abandoned or moribund websites - yet still are excellent resources.

Sat May 30 - International Childrens Day EVENT

Here is a copy of Rhonda's Speech.

REAL Women Annual Conference, Edmonton Jun 6

I just found out that *REAL Women Canada is holding their Annual Conference in Edmonton this weekend from Friday June 5 - Saturday June 6! (I am the last to know these things). They have a stellar line-up of speakers including long-standing President Gwendolyn LANDBOLT - a women I have never met but who commands my respect for single-handedly (apparently) holding the organization together for years. That takes guts!

I am trying to get a table for Alberta PAAO display.

* Realistic, Equal, Active and for LIFE!

CBC Radio "The Current" features Parental Alienation.

Too late I found out that CBC Radio's morning show "The Current" with Anna-Marie TREMONTI had a segment about PAS today, including an interview with Rhonda Pisanello - a strong supporter of Alberta PAAO and leader of KAPAAO - a kids support program initiated by PAAO HQ in Ontario.   Interviewed on the program was Nick Bala, a Prof of Family Law at Queen's University who had presented some of his research into Canadian Cases of PAS to the conference in Toronto in March 2009, as well as Registered Psychologist Mary Korpach from Surrey BC. 

Here is a link to the program (part 3/3) where you can listen to the segment and website:

Parental Alienation

Rhonda Pisarello was eight years old when her parents divorced. Her sisters were seven and one. Rhonda's father was awarded custody of the three girls. And her mother was granted the right to see them a few days each week. A year after the divorce, Rhonda's father remarried. Rhonda is an adult now and she picked up the story from there. We aired a clip.

Rhonda's story has all the hallmarks of what we now call Parental Alienation. The number of court cases that involve Parental Alienation is getting more attention these days but it is not new to our court system.

Nick Bala has just completed the first study of how Canadian courts and judges have handled Parental Alienation over the last 20 years. He's a professor in the Faculty of Law at Queen's University and he was in Kingston, Ontario.

Sat May 30 - International Children's Day

ALBERTA PAAO has been asked to participate in an International Children's Day Event on Sat May 30, 2009 at Wibert McIntyre (Gazebo) Park in Old Strathcona, Edmonton AB from 1000h-1400h.

The Event will celebrate the universal rights of children, including the right to have strong, loving and healthy relationships with both parents.

This event is organized by ECMAS (Equitable Child Maintenance & Access Society - Edmonton) and there are plans to have some speakers representing/supporting children's rights, live music, children's face-painters, balloons - among other festivities.

We shall be there distributing PAAO brochures.

Rhonda PISANELLO from Rimbey will speak about KAPAAO (text).

2009 PAAD RIMBEY a sucess!

Rhonda Pisanello organized a PAAD Event for kids in Rimbey AB on Sat April 25 and although it had to move indoors, it was a great idea. We are starting to build on an idea here and I hope this momentum continues!



Here is Rhonda's account.

Just a few photos of our PAAD yesterday. Due to lousy weather we moved inside so as expected it was fairly quiet. We did get some hearts on our heart tree though - quite a few considering the size of the crowd. 

A number of people had personal experiences with PAS and were relieved that there were resources available for them to network with others and encouraged us to keep on.

Anyway it was a good day for our first here in Rimbey with a visit from our local paper's editor and the RCMP.

The Balloon fairy did a wonderful job too. She kept us entertained. The cookie decorating kept adults and kids alike occupied too.

A sincere thank you to the following local agencies for participating and contributing to making the event a success. 1. Victim Services of Rimbey 2. The Parent Link Centre 3.  Neighbourhood Place 4. FCSS

I couldn't have done this without them at all.

Bye for now, Rhonda

Edmonton PAAD a SUCESS!

After our 11th hour reprieve, the Edmonton 2009 PAAD (Parental Alienation Awareness DAY) went off without a hitch (almost). The venue was the indoors Old Strathcona Farmers Market so we did not have to experience the wintry weather and - of course - the market did a booming business as it normally does on a Saturday.

Public "uptake" was also good - certainly more effective than last year - due to the large number of families, inquisitive visitors and a "browsing-friendly" atmosphere, sheltered from the harsh elements. Everyone reported a handful of deep, well-informed conversations. Many encouraged and were supportive of our efforts to form a local provincial organization to provide further information and network about PA and PAS issues.



We handed out many www.PAawareness.org brochures and we even sold a few workbooks for middle school children written by Dr. Amy BAKER entitled "I don't want to choose", which is a useful tool to help them deal with some of the issues faced in PA.

A huge thanks to Jerry, Cathy, Jim and Lisa (for trying to make it) - but especially to Chris T who was so generous with his time and financial support.

Keep in touch so we can get ready for next year!

Vellacott recognizes Parental Alienation Awareness Day

Hon. Maurice Vellacott MP (Saskatoon-Wanuskewin) maade the following announcement about Parental Alienation Awareness Day.

Vellacott recognizes Parental Alienation Awareness Day
April 25, 2009

OTTAWA - "Parental Alienation is a serious problem in Canada because too
many children do not benefit from the active involvement of both parents in
their lives," said Conservative MP Maurice Vellacott (Saskatoon-Wanuskewin),
speaking in recognition of Parental Alienation Awareness Day.April 25th is
Parental Alienation Awareness Day and much more awareness needs to take place
around the impact of parental alienation today.

Canada's high levels of divorce and non-traditional family arrangements often result in situations where children are no longer able to benefit from the consistent nurture and guidance and love of one of their parents. In most cases, though not all, it is the
father who is missing from the home. Canada's family law system often makes
matters worse, which is why I have been working on a Private Member's Bill that
would require Equal Shared Parenting to be treated as the presumptive approach
for resolving custodial arrangements among divorcing parents.A new study has
been released by Prof. Edward Kruk of the University of British Columbia using
Canadian data. His research confirms conclusions that have already been
well-established from much research around the world. Kruks' report notes that
90 percent of runaways grew up in father-absent homes, as did 71% of dropouts
and a majority of those identified as depressed, suicidal, addicted and pregnant
teens. "Barring cases of abuse and neglect, the best interests of the child
include the active involvement of both parents in their nurture and upbringing,"
said Vellacott.

A very important symposium on Parental Alienation took place in Toronto in March. I commend all those involved in organizing this successful and important event.

One of the many speakers at the symposium was Dr. Terence Campbell, Ph.D., a clinical and forensic psychologist. He said that all separations must begin with the premise that joint physical custody is better than sole custody.

Many of the speakers at the conference were women, including Dr. Marty McKay, also an advocate of equal parenting. She expressed distress at the way many professionals contribute to Parental Alienation among children in broken homes. She listed the whole spectrum of professionals involved in divorce and custodial situations: judges, lawyers, assessors, psychologists, mediators, child welfare agencies and domestic violence agencies."I wish every success to those involved in raising awareness of the trauma of parental alienation," said Vellacott. "I hope my Private Member's Bill will move Canada in a direction that reduces parental alienation and advances our country's support for the best interests of our children."

- 30 -
For further comment, call (613) 992-1966 or (613) 297-2249

Child Abduction and PA

Obviously the sad case of Victoria (Tori) STAFFORD in Woodstock ON, is NOT a case of PA but Stranger Abduction. But her mother's boyfriend/step-dad has been named as a "person of interest" - but given other terrible cases recently, it could just as easily be the mother who is prime suspect. For me I question why the biological father has been sidelined by the media. It would be hard to imagine any parent not feeling helpless and out-of-control as an influence in his daughters life now. There remains disagreement about the strange women who lured Tori away somehow.

Yet, Parental Abductions are among the leading causes of Missing Child reports - according to stats collated by the RCMP1 and Missing Children's Network - Quebec. Missing Children's Network are the provincial component of a national and international network that coordinates various cases of missing children every year. Their Director General, Pina Arcamone was interviewed in this happy outcome on Good Friday (April 11, 2009) for Frank and Ashley GONIS, separated for 2 years.

Then I also saw this remarkable re-uniting story after 27 years between Dirk PRATT and his daughter, Francesca! She was told he was dead but never completely believed it. A few weeks ago, after watching the 2008 movie "Wanted" with Angelina JOLIE, Dirk copied a plot line idea and Googled his own name and came up with a shocking search message that read, "I am trying to contact Dirk Pratt. I am his daughter." After thinking it was a sick joke, he was finally able to re-establish contact with the daughter he lost 27 years before.

Footnotes:

1) While the numbers of Parental Abductions (PA) appear small, this is only because they are overwhelmed by the huge numbers or Run Away (RA) or Unknown/Throw Away (UN) cases. Such large numbers are because of multiple incidents by individuals. It had been reported in the U.S that fully 30% of these single incidents are by a small number of recurrent runaway kids. Also many of these cases are quickly resolved. Source: RCMP 2007 Missing Children Reference Report - National Missing Children Services, Appendix 1.

Resurrected - PAAD will go ahead in Edmonton!

At the last moment, I have managed to secure a venue for PAAD in Edmonton. I was told that we can have a table to display "our wares" at the Old Strathcona Farmers Market (10310-83 Ave NW, Edmonton AB) on Saturday April 25 from 9am - 3pm. (They often make such tables available to non-profit groups at no charge.)

I shall have an ample supply of PAAO brochures, as well as info table display similar to last year (DVD's playing on laptop, selected books and "reading lists", what you can do "idea's" etc).

We need 6-12 volunteers to staff the table and engage in non-threatening "discussions" with the public in teams for 1-2 hours. Please contact me (new cel# 780-729-5570) if you can give a hand - it would be gratefully appreciated.

See you there.

Alberta PA Awareness Day EVENT = CANCELLED

I am sorry to announce that due to a lack of volunteer resources and my inability to secure a suitable venue - that I must CANCEL our planned PAAD Event in Edmonton on Sat April 25, 2009. (I was rather surprised that the West Edmonton Mall turned down my request - considering how modest and how they seem to be quite keen to allow other activities like the recent "Hair Massacre" head-dye/shave for Cancer.   Being declined for Law Day at the Law Court on April 18 was less surprising but I thought rather cowardly.)  

I am sorry to have to admit defeat but perhaps others will be better able to suceed where I have not.  By all means, let me know if I can do  anything to assist.    I have made a few contacts and may be able to supply some useful info or resources. 

Regards,

Christopher JONES

CSPAS Conference - Toronto On March 27-29

This is an update on the upcoming CSPAS Symposium to be held in Toronto ON on Friday March 27-29, 2009.     Here is Press Release:

TORONTO, Feb. 13 /CNW/ - The first Canadian International Symposium for Parental Alienation Syndrome (PAS) will be held in Toronto at the Toronto Metro Convention Centre from March 27-29, 2009. Speakers from the fields of psychology, family law, and mediation will be making presentations to attorneys and mental health professionals. Parents whose children suffer from this mental health condition are very welcome to attend to conference.

"Parents that abuse children with parental alienation are a danger to our entire society," said Joe Goldberg, Host and Founder of the symposium. "There are literally hundreds of thousands of children who are victims of parental alienation abuse and family law attorneys and mental health professionals are the only ones who can rescue them.  This symposium will provide the information on how to best protect these children."

Participants to this three day symposium will hear such topics discussed as: 'Mediation Strategies in Managing PAS Disputes,' 'Treatment for Alienated Children,' and 'Doing what is Right for the Children, and Knowing When to do it.'   Speakers include: Amy Baker, Ph.D., a prominent psychologist in developmental psychology, Pamela Stuart-Mills Hoch, M.A., and Bob Hoch, M.A. co-founders of the Rachel Foundation for Family Reintegration, and David L. Levy, J.D., a pioneer in the field of children's rights. With over twenty speakers in attendance, everyone will come away with new knowledge about how children are being psychologically abused by a parent, and how it can be prevented.  For more info go to: www.cspas.ca.

I highly recommend it!

Amy J. BAKER Lecture - 2007 Dec 27

Lecture about her (then new) book "Breaking the Ties that Bind: Adult children of PAS",  including 10 minutes of "tips for Targeted Parents" at the end of 50 minutes presentation.

The reason for her study was to help answer the questions "Will I ever get them back?", "How can I speed it up?" and "What are the consequences of PAS?".

"PAS does not exist" says President of Cdn Psychologists Association

CODE RED - Action Alert

Yesterday, Mon Feb 2, 2009 CBC Radio1 broadcast a segment about PAS given the recent blockbuster PAS "deprogramming" decision by Justice Faye MCWATT of Ontario.  The reporter interviewed an anonymous father who's case is still before the courts and got a comment about the challenge of "de-programming" from Dr. Richard WARSHUK - author of "Divorce Poison" who was also speaking at the Ontario Bar Association Conference in Toronto.   However for the CON view he interviewed Dr. Catherine M. LEE, President of the Canadian Psychological Association in Ottawa, ON who claims that "PAS does not exist".  The reporter ends with "the cure may be worse than the disease".  

Please take some time to listen to broadcast clip and contact Dr. LEE (catherine.lee@uottawa.ca)  to tell her what you think of her comment.   Perhaps contacting the other members of the Canadian Psychological Association Board of Directors is also opportune. Here is the link.  http://www.cpa.ca/aboutcpa/boardofdirectors.

Download Audio Clip (2:30 ms)

Looking for Volunteers - PAAD Alberta = Sat April 25, 2009

Last year, with the help of the Parental Alienation Awareness Organization (PAAO) we held the 1st Parental Alienation Awareness Day (PAAD) Event in Edmonton. Yes, it was a modest affair, cobbled together at the last minute - but I hope others across the province will join us to mark this day with their own event on April 25 2009!

We are looking for volunteers to initiate a PAAD Event in Alberta community's or join one nearby. An event can be as simple or as complicated as you want (and your budget allows - as we have no funding, but we accept contributions). Our objective is to educate the general public about PA but how you do that is up to you.

Last year wasn't fancy. We set-up a display table with a PAAO Banner, various PAS reference, books, replayed some DVD's on the laptop, asked for petition signatures and began handing out (b&w photocopied) PAAO pamphlets at Edmonton City Hall Square (Mayor Mandel declared PAAD Officially) and outside the Legislature on that cold April day. Alot of people welcomed the opportunity to learn about PAS. It is an issue that many struggle to understand.

Since that event we have gathered 47 supporters across the province. They include many targeted parents, some "stranded" grandparents, adult "survivors" of PAS, Second Wives and others. Let's take advantage of recent legal developments in Ontario and media coverage of Alex Baldwin's book to focus attention on PAS and PA behaviours.

By concentrating our message about PAS for ONE DAY GLOBALLY we hope to breach the wall of official indifference about such child abuse. 

To volunteer, please sign-in using this form.   Our success depends on having "slack" resources as  not every community can support an Event.   Since your candour will not be ruthlessly exploited please be generous with your intentions.   We hope to have Event Leaders/ Locations
after Feb 27 and updates will be emailed as required.   Non-Alberta volunteers can check for other Events at www.PAawarenessDAY.org.

Regards,
Christopher JONES
Team Leader - Alberta
E albertapaao [at] mail.com

Remember, click HERE to link to SIGN-UP Form

Welcome to our new blog!

The "time has come (the walrus said)" for a blog by Alberta PAAO.

I am just waiting until everything is properly arranged and hope to be up and running within a month.

This blog is a natural evolution of a process that began a year ago when Shelly JONES (no relation) and I joined forces to stage PAAD 2008 in Edmonton. Before we knew it - PAAO Alberta was created!

We are committed to improving awareness about Parental Alienation Syndrome (PAS) and PA Behaviours (PAB) in Alberta.   We will do this by promoting awareness about Parental Alienation and acting as a network for Resources and Events that may be of interest to Albertans. 

Regards,

Christopher JONES